# Wildcards

The `^` is used as a wildcard search character
within the string parameter for replacing known and sometimes unknown
strings within strings. It matches any character. Note that `^` is a normal character, not a control character. See the `r/^^^//` example below.

Using attribute marks with the r command:

The control shift `^` represents an attribute mark
in the Editor. Used with the r command, it has
the effect of terminating the line. See the examples below.

Note: When using column ranges (see [c command (Editor processor)](https://d3codex.com/editor/c-command-editor-processor/)) the r command only works if there is
data in the attribute and it occurs within the specified column position,
or range of positions. It is *not* possible to replace using
a column range beyond the end of the attribute.

## Example(s)

Replaces the first 3 characters
(wildcards, or `^`) of the current line with null,
(that is, deletes the first three characters).

```
r/^^^//
```
Replaces the first occurrence of the string, `abc`, with an attribute mark (control shift `^`), terminating
the line prior to the string, `abc`.

```
r/abc/^
```
Replaces all characters on the current attribute with *null*, leaving the current attribute intact, but empty.

```
ru/^//
```

## See also

- [r command (Editor processor)](https://d3codex.com/editor/r-command-editor-processor/)

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Source: https://d3codex.com/editor/wildcards/ - part of the D3Codex reference.